On the global financial stage, Adebayo Ogunlesi, a lawyer and businessman born in Nigeria, has been making remarkable progress. Despite facing setbacks like being dismissed as the chairman of the African Financial Corporation by Godwin Emefiele, the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Ogunlesi has remained undeterred.
A Significant Acquisition
Ogunlesi’s infrastructure company, Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), recently underwent a monumental acquisition by BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, for an astounding $12.5 billion. This acquisition aligns with the vision of Laurence Fink, BlackRock’s chairman and CEO, who aims to transform the firm into a major player in the expanding market for private and alternative assets.
Trailblazing Progress
Ogunlesi’s journey to the pinnacle of the financial industry has been characterized by perseverance and resilience. His aversion to political interference and personal business interests have played a crucial role in his success. Furthermore, he attributes his wife for inspiring a career change that led to the establishment of GIP. With more than 25 years of experience in international business and financial services, Ogunlesi has become a prominent figure in the global finance industry.
A New Phase
After his tenure as the CEO of GIP, Ogunlesi is poised to join BlackRock’s board and global executive committee, working under Larry Fink. It will be the first time in 18 years that Ogunlesi will have a boss. Despite his high-profile positions and notable achievements, Ogunlesi remains a private individual and chooses to stay out of the public eye.
While Ogunlesi’s ascent in the global finance industry is noteworthy, it also ignites discussions about the role of family background, geographical environment, and connections in shaping success. His accomplishments have raised concerns about social mobility in Nigeria, with many Nigerians expressing sentiments about the challenging landscape for ordinary citizens.
Despite these challenges, Ogunlesi’s success serves as an inspiration. His story illustrates that with determination, hard work, and a clear vision, it is possible to make significant progress on the global stage, regardless of one’s background or the obstacles encountered.
